World Cup qualifying in Africa is an interesting, and rather expedient, process. The first round consists of 12 home-and-away rounds, featuring the 24 lowest ranked sides on the continent. The 12 winners join the remaining 28 countries for the second round, in which the 40 teams are divided into ten groups. After six matches, the top sides in each group continue on to the third and final round.

And that’s where we are now: ready for another round of home-and-away legs, with the five teams finishing on top the ones that book their tickets to Brazil. CAF doesn’t force viewers to choose between two exciting matches, instead spacing the first five games out over the next four days.

Saturday, October 12

Burkina Faso vs. AlgeriaBurkina Faso have never made it to the World Cup, but they did reach the final of the last Africa Cup of Nations, only to be defeated by Nigeria. It’s Algeria that have the advantage here, having made it to the World Cup last time around and putting in 13 goals in six games in the last round. But the hosts seem fairly confident, with Belgian coach Paul Put stating that “everyone is focused and motivated to deliver.”

Ivory Coast vs. SenegalOf course it’s the Ivorians that are tipped to come away with a trip to Brazil, as they’re the top-rated team in Africa and get to boast of players like Gervinho, Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba. Meanwhile, Demba Ba misses out for Senegal, with Alain Giresse refusing to call players that don’t appear regularly for their clubs. That leaves the visitors with few experienced players on their side, and with a rather unimpressive second round, putting your money on Senegal doesn’t seem like a safe bet.

Sunday, October 13

Ethiopia vs. NigeriaEthiopia are the one team remaining from the first round, and just their luck, they’ve gone and drawn Nigeria. The Super Eagles are the current holders of the Africa Cup of Nations and made it through their group unbeaten. They’ve got the likes of Victor Moses, Victor Obinna and John Obi Mikel, while Ethiopia’s players mainly ply their trade in the domestic leagues. Still, Ethiopia have a great home record, so they’ve got that going for them.

Tunisia vs. CameroonSamuel Eto’o, who retired from international football last month, is already staging a comeback, having answered the call after being named to the Cameroon squad. The Indomitable Lions visit Tunisia, who are staging a comeback of their own. It appeared they’d lost their chance of going to Brazil after losing to Cape Verde in their final game of the second round, but after it emerged that their opponents had fielded a suspended player, Tunisia were awarded the win and moved on to the third round.

Tuesday, October 15

Ghana vs. Egypt It seems almost unfair — to fans of football, at least — that one of Ghana or Egypt won’t reach the World Cup. Although the Black Stars are ranked higher, it was Egypt that came out of the last round with six wins from six games. They scored 16 goals, second only to Ghana’s 18, although Egypt allowed seven to Ghana’s three. Even if we won’t be treated to both sides playing in Brazil, these two legs should at least be fun to watch. A slight tip to Ghana, though, in this one, not only as the hosts but because they’ll have their bonus’s doubled for a win. What better reason to get all three points?